Matching numbers

[bonn67]

OK, I have a question on what exactly matching numbers mean:

Does it mean that the engine and trans are the orginal that came with the car. That would mean all parts.

Or does it mean that the engine and trans are the same type (ie say for a 69 Firebird it would be a 400ci) that came with the car. But may have come from another car of the same year. Or can it be a aftermarket parts that are just like the orginals.

I am really wondering on this one.

[~redlinels1~]

Wow...Umm. It could be a lot. Numbers matching implies that the VIN is the same as that which is stamped onto the engine block and transmission for sure. Also, a numbers correct car will have the correct drivetrain components from the intake, heads, axle, waterpump, alternator, and distributor, etc (depending on how original the car is). Date codes are also part of the 'numbers matching' definition. The cast date codes found on most drivetrain items should also be within a few weeks old of the build date

Most of the vehicles that are sold with matching numbers will only have the VIN on the engine and transmission. Generally, when you see a classic selling for well over 6 digits the car is probably all original. I think the 69 zl1 camaro on ebay awhile ago had every matching number. It was upwards of $120k for that car.

[volkerc]

Originally Posted by bonn67

OK, I have a question on what exactly matching numbers mean:

Does it mean that the engine and trans are the orginal that came with the car. That would mean all parts.

Or does it mean that the engine and trans are the same type (ie say for a 69 Firebird it would be a 400ci) that came with the car. But may have come from another car of the same year. Or can it be a aftermarket parts that are just like the orginals.

I am really wondering on this one.

matching numbers basically just means that, all numbers match as if the car was new. so if you had installed an engine from a gto no more matching numbers. real resto freaks go so far to reproduce any factory mark that was there when the car ran off the assembly line. as far as i recollect vin numbers were not punched into engines or trans. however the numbers found on the block did designate from what car the engine came. the pontiac engines have an embossed number by the distributor that can give you more info. also on the front of the block, driver side by the waterpump just below the head should be two letters punched into the block, they will tell you the combination of the engine and trans and if it is correct for the year. there is some good reference material out there to break down all those numbers, the red book is one for example.